The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aug. 13 strongly condemned the decision by China to sanction Lithuanian Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Agne Vaiciukeviciute and suspend international road transport relations with the EU member state.
The groundless action is an incomprehensible and irrational retaliation against regular exchanges between sovereign countries, the MOFA said, adding that it also exposes Beijing’s bullish defiance of international democratic rules and order.
Vaiciukeviciute was in Taiwan Aug. 7-11 as head of a delegation comprising Lithuanian officials and business leaders from the country’s electric bus sector.
On the last day of her stay, the official visited the MOFA, where she was welcomed by Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu. The group later had an in-depth discussion with Deputy Foreign Minister Harry Ho-jen Tseng in which the two sides exchanged views on the possibility of expanding cooperation in areas including direct flights and port and harbor infrastructure development.
In the meeting, Vaiciukeviciute said successful collaboration will show that her country has made the right decision to remain on the path of freedom and democracy. Such mutually beneficial endeavors will also demonstrate the strength of democratic partners working in tandem for prosperity, she added.
In response, Tseng said he looked forward to enhanced transportation cooperation between the two sides. The government and people sincerely appreciate Lithuania’s unwavering support for Taiwan despite Beijing’s economic coercion, he added.
According to the MOFA, Taiwan and Lithuania are like-minded partners with a close and friendly relationship. The government will continue to bolster cooperation with Lithuania across the board, especially in areas spanning aviation, electric buses, 5G telecommunication technology and smart and green transportation.
In a tweet on the MOFA’s official Twitter account, Wu said “Goliath = bullies like #China & #Russia; David = moral giants like #Taiwan & #Lithuania. We, the forces for good, won’t shy away from the values we hold close to our hearts despite threats & coercion. BTW, I’m sanctioned for life but many here are super jealous. JW” (SFC-E)
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